Frequently Asked Questions
What can Tong Ren Therapy help with?
What can I expect during a session?
Does Tong Ren healing help kids?
How can I know if I’m getting better?
Do I have to believe in Tong Ren for it to help me?
Can you diagnose disease with your work?
Where does your healing gift come from?
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Are the needles sterile and do you reuse needles?
Does acupuncture have side effects?
What are the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine?
Are Chinese Herbs safe?
In what form are the herbs prescribed?
Is it OK for me to purchase Chinese herbal medicines on my own?
Is it OK for me to take Chinese Herbs with my western drugs?
What are the benefits of Reflexology?
What is Chinese Tuina Massage?
What are the benefits of Chinese Tuina Massage?
Why do you incorporate Lifestyle Counseling in your sessions?
What is Tong Ren Therapy? return to top
Tong Ren energy healing was developed by Tom Tam as a therapy for internally healing a patient’s energy system by using the collective unconscious, as defined by Dr. Carl Jung. Tom has especially found that Tong Ren energy healing is an effective method for healing people with cancer and other serious illnesses. After healing a client with lung cancer using energy healing, Tom set up healing classes for cancer patients. In February 2002, the first healing class began. As of today, the class has drawn people with diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lyme disease, RSD, and HIV/AIDS – amongst others. People regularly come from other states and other countries to attend Tom’s classes.
What can Tong Ren Therapy help with? return to top
Tong Ren Therapy is mostly known for its miraculous results with cancer. Many people have stage 3 or stage 4 cancer by the time they come in. We never give up on anyone or any illness no matter how bad. We have the most confidence in our work and many can attest to its efficacy. Some give up on western medical treatments and others combine Tong Ren with western medicine. We support you in whatever decision you make. Read the article Tong Ren & Cancer to learn more. Tong Ren also helps with many other diseases like autoimmune disorders, hypertension, diabetes, heart problems, parkinson’s, emotional disorders and so much more.
Will Tong Ren Therapy have any adverse side effects when used in combination with western medical treatments? return to top
Absolutely not! Tong Ren Therapy is a non-invasive energy healing. There is no exchange of chemicals or any invasive procedure done on the body. Tong Ren is healing, relaxing and rejuvenating. We do ask people who are on medication for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and blood thinners to check their numbers. Many patients with out of control blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure experience a normalizing of their numbers.
What can I expect during a session? return to top
We will do a thorough history intake. We will address issues like stress, diet, exercise and sleep. Many diseases can be mitigated or even resolved through major lifestyle changes. Acupuncture and Tong Ren Therapy are always used. Chinese Tuina massage or Reflexology may also be incorporated depending on the issue. Most clients find this to be a nice, well rounded treatment. Tong Ren works on the bodies internal blockages. Acupuncture works on the bodies internal and external blockages. Massage and Reflexology work on the bodies external blockages. In the big picture, removing internal blockages helps with external problems and vice versa. Many experience feelings of warmth, tingling, vibrations and pulsations. As the qi is moving into the area of the blockage, this is only natural. No need for alarm, just allow the energy to move in your body. It has its own intelligence. Just trust it.
For phone healings, clients are asked to be in a quiet and comfortable area so that they won’t be distracted or interrupted. Next, they are asked to sit in a chair with their feet flat on the ground and their back supported on a chair or couch. Clients need to set up their telephones so that they can speak and hear easily on the phone, speakerphone, or headset. After getting permission to start, we begin. Most people can feel the energy in their body in some way, shape or form. Still others feel a deep relaxation take over them. Relaxation is very healing because it allows the energy in the body to move and dissipate blockages. Most health problems are due to stress so it’s obvious why relaxation is so beneficial.
Finally, there are a very select few that feel nothing. Does this mean that the healing is not working? Absolutlely not! These people will more often than not feel a difference after the treatment even though they may not necessarily feel anything during the treatment. After the session is over, take at least 10-15 minutes to just BE. The qi is still running and the healing is still in progress. After that you may go about your day. Phone healing sessions are approximately 20-30 minutes long.
What is the difference between Tong Ren and other forms of energy healing?
Tong Ren is different compared to other forms of energy healing for many reasons. First, and most importantly, is our theory that blockages are the root of illness. In fact, a very experienced Tong Ren Healer can feel the energy blockages on the patient quite easily. After developing that kind of sensitivity, it’s easy to get an idea of what’s going on in a person’s body. The Tong Ren Therapist may even be able to tell you when you’re feeling better once they’ve removed the blockage. This can be done face to face or by phone. Next, we use modern anatomy and physiology as our foundation in healing. For example, if someone has breathing or blood vessel issues, we know that we must address the blockage in the back of the head for the medulla because the medulla controls breathing and blood vessels. Finally, we can also pump qi (energy) into the body making you feel stronger and more energized.
How many sessions are needed for a healing to work?
Although it is possible for a healing to occur in one, two or three sessions, unfortunately, this is rare. Most people need treatments over some period of time to achieve healing. How long it takes depends on many factors. What is the condition? How long have you had it? Is your lifestyle allowing you to heal and progress? What must be remembered is that we offer an alternative natural healing for your body. The natural healing process is safer and gets to the root of the problem.
Does Tong Ren healing help kids? return to top
Absolutely! In fact the best results are seen in kids and animals. Children’s minds are much more open and their minds have not been as crystallized by thought patterns that hinder their healing. Therefore, kids are able to heal more quickly and hold the healing longer. The same holds true for animals.
How can I know if I’m getting better? return to top
Often times if you have pain, you will feel a difference before and after the treatment. Clients are asked what their pain level (out of a scale of 1 to 10, 10 meaning excruciating pain) is before the treatment and then after the treatment. I would say 80% - 90% feel a difference after the session. For other cases, the client is advised to get tests done (like blood test or MRI) to check the progress that their making.
Do I have to believe in Tong Ren for it to help me? return to top
Tong Ren Therapy is not hypnosis or suggestion power. Many children, animals and people in unconscious conditions have benefited from it. You DO NOT have to believe in it, but I’m sure after trying it, you’ll leave with a different outlook. All we ask is that you be open to it.
Why do we get sick? return to top
Vibrant health occurs when we have lots of qi (energy), and when the energy circulates harmoniously in our bodies. For the energy to circulate properly, the body must be free of blockages. Illness usually occurs due to a blockage of energy in the body. Energy is what our modern understanding of medicine refers to as our nervous system. Most likely there is a blockage in the nervous system or lack of blood supply to a region. Tong Ren Therapy not only removes blockages but also pumps your body with qi to give you more energy.
Can you diagnose disease with your work? return to top
As I am not a licensed physician, I do not give a prognosis for a disease or diagnose a disease. I can only tell you what I feel as far as energy blockages according to Tom Tam’s healing system of Tong Ren Therapy. Tongue and Pulse diagnosis is also incorporated when using Traditional Chinese Medicine differentiation, especially when prescribing herbal medicines.
Are you a medical intuitive? return to top
I prefer the term intuitive healer. An intuitive healer has the ability to read peoples energy and can help them resolve their blockages that are causing illness. Of course there are many schools to this. There are Shamans, Reiki practitioners but I am a Tong Ren healer.
Where does your healing gift come from? return to top
The healing gift comes from the universe, God or whatever you wish to call it. Of course the name is not important. I am merely a vessel through which the universal energy comes through.
What is acupuncture and how does it work? return to top
Acupuncture is an Asian technique treating many medical problems by inserting fine needles into various points on the body. Legend has it that acupuncture is 4,000 to 5,000 years old.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine’s theory, the basic energy force of life which flows through all living things is called Qi. When this force flows through the human body, it travels along twelve primary and two secondary channels or meridians. As Qi flows through the channels, it helps circulate the blood and also affects the nervous system. Along these channels there are 365 major acupuncture points.
An acupuncturist, in observing symptoms of disease, is able to locate the points on the body that govern a particular section of the channel that is blocked. The acupuncturist then stimulates those points so as to clear the channel to allow the life energy to flow freely again. By placing and manipulating the needles in the proper points, the skilled acupuncturist brings Yin and Yang back into balance. This restores good blood circulation and a healthy nervous system.
What can acupuncture treat? return to top
Acupuncture can treat many diseases. Here’s a short list of what acupuncture can treat.
- Asthma
- Headaches and Dizziness
- Back and Neck Pain
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Urogenital disorders
- Gynecological disorders
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Skin Problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
and much more.
Does acupuncture hurt? return to top
The needles are about the size of a strain of hair in diameter. Some people feel distension, tingling or pressure, but the sensations are usually mild and subside quickly. However, many people feel nothing at all. Acupuncture is by no means similar to having your blood drawn at the doctor’s office or taking an injection. Acupuncture needles are fine, flexible and solid unlike the thick, hard and hollow needles in doctor’s offices.
Are the needles sterile and do you reuse needles? return to top
Only disposable sterile needles are used. This means they are used once and only once for the client. We never reuse needles!
Does acupuncture have side effects? return to top
Because the goal of acupuncture is to open up and relax the body therefore allowing for healing to occur, there are no serious side effects associated with its use. This is in contrast to many potent Western medicines in which severe side effects, in certain cases, may be worse than the disease being treated.
What are the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine? return to top
Chinese herbal medicine can help with many diseases and conditions. In fact, it is one of the most sophisticated and used modalities in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese herbs can help with gastrointestinal disorders, urogenital disorders, gynecological disorders, infertility, back pain, migraines, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, stroke recovery, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergies and so much more.
Furthermore, Chinese herbs provide a very unique function. In necessary cases, Chinese herbs can nourish and strengthen the body. They can build your qi, blood, yin and yang. For example, if you have chronic low back pain, how many drugs are on the market that can actually strengthen your lower back? A drug can be given to lessen the pain, but if you stop taking the drug, the pain will return. However, we have many herbs that strengthen the tendons and bones in Chinese Medicine. This means we are actually treating the root of the problem. The goal of Chinese herbal medicine is not to have you on them forever, but to use them as a stepping stone in full recovery.
Are Chinese Herbs safe? return to top
Chinese Herbs are safe when prescribed by a board certified herbalist. As a buyer and seller of herbs, I am aware of suspicious companies that could have herbs of low quality. We make sure to use as many natural and organic herbs as possible.
In what form are the herbs prescribed? return to top
You can choose from a variety of ways to take your herbs. You can drink it like a tea. This is often the most potent form. It is ideal for those that do not like taking pills. It’s not recommended for those who can be sensitive to the taste of herbs. The taste can range from bland to bitter or even sweet. Herbal teas can be customized for your specific condition.
Powders are probably the next most potent form to take herbs in. You can pour the powder into hot water and drink. If the taste bothers you, use less water. Powders can be customized for your specific condition.
Pills are not as potent as powders or teas, but still work quite well. Pills are convenient and easy to carry around. Pills can be customized for you specific condition or be taken in patent form. Patent form pills are already made and cannot be customized to your specific condition.
Is it OK for me to purchase Chinese herbal medicines on my own? return to top
It is always advisable to seek a board certified herbalist when considering taking Chinese herbs. Venturing out on your own can be potentially harmful.
Is it OK for me to take Chinese Herbs with my western drugs? return to top
A board certified herbalist should always take into consideration what drugs a patient is on when prescribing herbs. Having knowledge of herb-drug interactions is important when prescribing herbs. There are instances when taking herbs with certain drugs is not recommended, and other times when it’s safe.
What is Reflexology? return to top
Reflexology is a science which deals with the principle that there are reflex areas in the feet and hands which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of the body. Stimulating these reflexes properly can help many health problems in a natural way.
What are the benefits of Reflexology? return to top
Reflexology can help with gastrointestinal disease, asthma, urogenital disease, back pain, gynecological complaints, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and much more. Many people say they feel relaxed but invigorated simultaneously after Reflexology. Reflexology should especially be used when the body is burnt out or has adrenal fatigue. Symptoms of exhaustion and stress coupled with inadequate rest will often get better with Reflexology.
What is Chinese Tuina Massage? return to top
Chinese Tuina Massage is one of the main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporating stroking, kneading, pressing, pushing and acupressure to promote the movement of qi and blood to treat both chronic and acute musculoskeletal conditions. Tom’s system of working on the hauto jaji points is incorporated in the massage to open blockages that may be causing internal disease as well.
What are the benefits of Chinese Tuina Massage? return to top
Chinese Tuina Massage benefits the collaterals and channels of the body. Through promotion of qi and blood, the body is able to relax and open up. This will alleviate pain and discomfort in the body. Tuina is often used in treatment sessions.
Why do you incorporate Lifestyle Counseling in your sessions? return to top
Many diseases are caused by and exacerbated by an unhealthy lifestyle. Stress, work, exhaustion, worry, bad diet, and lack of exercise all contribute to illness. We must sit and talk about these things in order for true change to occur. For example, IBS is often caused by stress in coordination with a bad diet. Stress is usually the primary culprit and the bad diet secondary. Stress management as well as dietary counseling is necessary in this case for healing to occur.
Filed under: FAQ's on September 12th, 2007 | No Comments »